The Angler's Equipment 69 



ful, and generally exhilarating pursuits 

 the world knows of. 



And this does not make the tarpon 

 fisherman's play any the less pleasurable, 

 but correct equipment and an earnest 

 heart and hand are essential qualities in 

 this branch of sport as well as in all 

 others. 



The brook trout, no matter what its 

 size may be, is our greatest game fish, 

 and we have only to adopt proper refine- 

 ment in tackle to compete with it. It is 

 not the strength or the size of the fish 

 that affords the play, or makes the species 

 of game quality it is its magnetic attri- 

 bute. Indeed, a strong fish on strong 

 tackle does not create that vibration so 

 important in making angling an enchant- 

 ing pastime. The fish must be small 

 when compared to large, sluggish salt- 

 water monsters, to possess that electrical 

 quickness that calls for the expression 

 "gamy"; and the rod, line, reel, and 

 leader must be delicate to enable the fish 



